Concerned over the ongoing Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 situation, the State Election Commissioner (SEC) of Andhra Pradesh announced a few guidelines. SEC Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar, announced municipal election campaigns to be limited to 5 people canvassing.
At a time, only five people of any party would be allowed to campaign in the State. The decision was taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and avoid large numbers of people. Candidates are also asked to conduct a door to door campaign with five or less than five people.
Ramesh Kumar also said, for public rallies, campaigns, road shows permission would be given by the SEC accordingly through a single window system.
To ensure smooth and transparent polling, the SEC formed special teams. These teams would keep a check on voters and candidates and would curb distribution of alcohol and money to get votes in the Civic Body polls.
After conducting peaceful panchayat polls in the State, this is the second election being held in the State. The SEC made all the necessary arrangements to make Municipal elections smooth, peaceful and transparent.
Ramesh Kumar said the SEC even set up a helpline to help voters. The SEC also decided that only government staff would issue voter slips to electors. The voters slip would be given 5 days ahead of the election day, the 5th of March.
During the 2021 Andhra Pradesh Municipal elections, ward volunteers would not be involved in election duties. Ramesh Kumar said ward volunteers should not be a part of the Municipal elections and would not be given any election duties. The decision was taken following complaints from some political parties.
In Andhra Pradesh, 12 municipal corporations and 75 municipalities /nagar panchayats would conduct Municipal elections.
According to the schedule, the nominations for the elections would be accepted till today, the 1st of March and the withdrawal of nominations would be from the 2nd of March to the 3rd of March.
The final list of candidates is scheduled to be released after 3:00 P.M., on the 3rd of March.
Eligible citizens could vote from 7:00 A.M., till 5:00 P.M, on the 10th of March. This time, the polling would be done twice, while the first time voters could vote on the 10th of March, but due to any reasons, if polling is disturbed, re polling would be held on the 13th of March.
The results of the Civic Polls would be announced on the evening of the 14th of March.
Stay tuned for further updates.
